"When you are doing the same sport you go through similar movement patterns all the time. We could see overuse injuries or ACL tears. If we play different sports we minimize that risk," Gabriel said.

Families have to be intentional, however, about which sport their child plays in the off-season of the sport that is their favorite.

“If your child is the pitcher for the baseball team, it doesn't help to be the quarterback of the football team in the off-season. It is that same repetitive arm movement," Gabriel said.

Still, he realizes picking up a second sport can be a tough sell for a child who really wants to play soccer, and only soccer.

"You start the conversation differently then. Whether it is off-season training or core and balance work or ACL prevention, we can pitch that as it is all something that will make you BETTER at soccer. It is going to make you better in the season. That's an easier way to start that conversation," Gabriel said.

RECENT CONTENT

There’s been some back and forth when it comes to the Brooklyn Village project in Uptown Charlotte. BK Partners, who is the developer, wants to give Second Ward a face lift, but there are many here in our community who would rather preserve the area because there is so much history tied to the land.